MCT Commits SBD$50,000 as Platinum Sponsor for YECSI Awards 2025

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Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) has solidified its commitment to fostering youth entrepreneurship and innovation in the Solomon Islands by becoming the Platinum Sponsor for the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) Awards 2025.

The significant partnership was formalized today during a signing ceremony. The event was officiated by the Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Choylin Yim-Douglas, and was witnessed by senior ministry officials, YECSI Chairman Mr. Limahl Totogi, and members of the YECSI Secretariat.

Valued at SBD$50,000, the Platinum Sponsorship secures naming rights for two prestigious award categories:

  •  MCT Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year
  •  Provincial Entrepreneur of the Year

 Minister Yim-Douglas said Ministry is pleased to back an initiative that recognizes young business leaders driving change nationwide.

“Our young entrepreneurs are the heartbeat of innovation and growth," she said. "Supporting them through YECSI reflects our commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable tourism and cultural economy.”

YECSI Chairman Mr. Limahl Totogi expressed deep gratitude, describing the partnership as “a strong testament to the government’s confidence in youth-led enterprise.”

Totogi highlighted the Ministry's continuous support, noting it “motivates our members to dream bigger and achieve more.”

He referenced earlier collaborations, including the $3 million MOU signed this year under the Young Tourism Initiative and joint efforts with SINU through the Launch Pad program, underscoring the ongoing effort to empower the next generation of tourism entrepreneurs.

YECSI is experiencing impressive growth, with its active membership surging from 31 in 2024 to 174 in October 2025.

This expansion includes 47 members representing the crucial tourism sector.

The council's reach now extends across the Solomon Islands, with entrepreneurs operating from Wagina in Choiseul to Temotu and Renbel Province.

As anticipation builds for the YECSI Awards Night on November 13, themed “Powering Progress: Young Entrepreneurs Shaping Tomorrow,” the Platinum Sponsorship from MCT symbolizes a shared vision for fostering youth enterprise.

YECSI also acknowledged the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) for joining as a Gold Sponsor, further illustrating a growing whole-of-government approach to support young innovators across multiple sectors.

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